Fight for Pura Cup final entry heats up

New South Wales 4 for 211 (Katich 71, Mail 68) trail Victoria 394 (Hodge 119, Hussey 86, Cameron 6-101) by 183 runs
Scorecard

Victoria removed the huge threat of Simon Katich, the New South Wales captain, to complete another strong day as they battle for the two points that will seal a spot in the Pura Cup final. The teams are equal on 32 with another two matches remaining, and they each need only one first-innings success to earn their places.

The Blues ended the second day at 4 for 211, needing another 184 runs to secure their spot in the decider. Katich was on track for another century in his incredible season of 1138 first-class runs, but he fell to the part-time offerings of Brad Hodge on 71.

Katich's departure left Dominic Thornely (23) and the nightwatchman Beau Casson (3) to survive until stumps and they have important tasks on the third morning. Mail had given New South Wales, who lost Phil Jaques edging before lunch for 2, a platform with stands of 74 with Peter Forrest and Katich. However, Mail slipped on 68 against the legspin of Bryce McGain, who had earlier enticed Forrest to hit to short cover on 36.

Mark Cameron claimed personal-best figures of 6 for 101 as he ensured a relatively smooth end to Victoria's innings in the first session. The Bushrangers started at 6 for 340 and gathered 54 while Cameron added another three wickets to his haul. He out-bowled the in-form Doug Bollinger, who captured one breakthrough, while Casson ended the innings with his second victim.